Bangladesh Records Hottest April on Record
Bangladesh’s weather bureau confirmed that last month marked the hottest April on record, with the country and the region experiencing a severe heat wave.
Impact of Climate Change
Scientific research indicates that climate change is leading to longer, more frequent, and more intense heat waves.
Government Response
The extreme heat in April led the government to close schools nationwide, affecting around 32 million students.
Weather Bureau Statement
The senior forecaster at the Bangladesh Meteorological Department highlighted that the heat wave in April covered approximately 80% of the country, an unprecedented occurrence.
Temperature Records
Temperatures recorded last month were significantly higher than the average daily temperature for April between 1981 and 2010, with some areas experiencing temperatures 2 to 8 degrees Celsius above the norm.
Health Concerns
At least 11 heat stroke-related deaths were confirmed by the Health Department in the past 10 days, underscoring the serious health risks posed by the extreme temperatures.
Relief Expected
Rainfall is anticipated to provide some relief from the heat wave, with the capital Dhaka experiencing temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.
Unusual Weather Patterns
The absence of the typical pre-monsoon thunderstorms in April exacerbated the severity of the heat wave, with rainfall levels significantly below average for the month.
Regional Impact
The heat wave is not limited to Bangladesh, as countries across South and Southeast Asia are also experiencing record-breaking temperatures, attributed in part to the El Niño weather phenomenon.
Warming Trend
Asia is warming at a faster rate than the global average, as highlighted by the World Meteorological Organization, emphasizing the urgent need for climate action.